Mass Stabbing at Michigan Walmart Leaves 11 Injured

Authorities say a man wielding a folding knife stabbed 11 people near a checkout counter at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan.

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea told reporters July 26 that the 42-year-old suspect was a Michigan resident and the attack appeared to be random, with a standard folding-style knife. Bystanders at the store helped subdue the suspect, he said.

“Based on the information that we have at this time, they were random acts,” Shea said.

He declined to offer further details about the suspect or possible motives until there was further investigation, which will be aided by the state police and the FBI. The attack happened sometime around 5 p.m. local time.

Munson Healthcare, a healthcare system in northern Michigan, said 11 people were being treated at its medical center.

6 victims in 'critical' condition, 5 'serious': Munson Healthcare

Six of the victims were in critical condition and five were in serious condition, Munson Healthcare said in a Facebook post about 8:30 p.m. EDT.

"Munson Healthcare is currently treating 11 patients as a result of this stabbing incident – 5 are in serious condition and 6 are in critical condition at this time," according to the healthcare system's post.

In addition to sharing the conditions of the victims, Munson thanked its staff for responding "commendably and admirably under these tragic circumstances."

"Every single department and team at Munson Medical Center, and throughout our healthcare system, stepped up to ensure not only that the victims of this tragedy were cared for, but that all our other patients continued to receive the care that they needed as well," the post continued. "Our hearts continue to go out to the victims and their families."

'Chaotic' scene at Walmart after stabbings: staffer nearby

Carrie Kidd, an employee at HomeGoods two doors down from Walmart, said she was working the register when people leaving Walmart started flooding the store’s joint parking lot about 5 p.m. ET.She said it didn’t feel scary but did feel “chaotic.”“We didn’t know much. There was a lot of speculation,” she said.She said the store was slower than usual after the incident, and people couldn’t get in or out of Crossing Circle area where the stores are located for a while after the incident.

Buttigieg, a Traverse City transplant, prays for victims of 'senseless violence'

Pete Buttigieg, the former U.S. transportation secretary and mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who relocated to Traverse City, said in a social media post he was praying for a speedy recovery for the victims of the “senseless violence.”

“Along with the whole Traverse City community, Chasten and I are shaken by the awful and senseless violence at Walmart earlier today,” Buttigieg said. “We’re thinking of everyone affected and hoping and praying for speedy recovery for all those who were injured.”

Citizens helped subdue suspect: sheriff

Shea said the incident began near the checkout area of the store and that the suspect was subdued within three minutes of law enforcement officers arriving.

Shea confirmed that bystanders assisted in subduing the assailant, but he declined to say more until there is further investigation.

“I’d rather get more information on that before I comment,” Shea said.

'Violence like this is unacceptable': Walmart

Walmart issued an additional statement saying the retailer would work closely with law enforcement during the investigation.

“Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders," Joe Pennington, Walmart spokesperson, told USA TODAY.

Pennington said the retail giant will "continue working closely with law enforcement during their investigation.”

Sheriff: Suspect a Michigan resident, weapon a folding knife

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea told reporters at a news conference the attack appeared to have been random and the weapon was a standard folding knife. He told reporters the suspect “appears” to be a Michigan resident but he refused to identify the person further.

Asked about the weapon, Shea said “it appears to be a standard folding-knife style weapon.”

The Michigan State Police Crime Lab is sending personnel to the scene, he said.

Asked for advice in how to respond to this type of incident, Shea said to “be vigilant.”“Know that no area is immune to this kind of activity,” Shea said.

Gov. Whitmer thanks first responders after 'horrible news'

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in an X post that she is "in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City."

"Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect," the governor wrote.

Whitmer added that she will "continue monitoring the situation closely."

FBI participating in investigation

The FBI is also responding.

"FBI personnel are responding to provide any necessary support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation of the attacks at the Walmart," Dan Bongino, the FBI deputy director, said on social media.

Kim Harris, a spokesperson for Walmart, told USA TODAY in an email that the company is "working with police and right now will defer questions to them."

Where is Traverse City?

Traverse City, which the U.S. Census Bureau reports has a population of nearly 16,000, is in northern Michigan, about 150 miles north of Grand Rapids and 255 miles northwest of Detroit.